The Falkvard Herald

Issue 6th of Sulime, Year 115

Court Report
By: Avyanna Turner

Scribe Scias Chilikov ran today’s court. The weather is cold, but dry and sunny, making a nice change of pace over yesterday’s constant rain. There weren’t all too many attendees, but the courtroom was also by no means empty. Important topics of Court:

Winter is coming to an end, with the void attack expected sometime at the end of this new month, or at some point next month. Weather is expected to begin warming back up.

The Kingdom is scouting the best places and areas that can be controlled against the Void incursion, with cannons deployed and classes taught. For all those participating, the Army is moving to secure all zones against outside attacks. Allies have also been informed, though the exact spaces that are best suited haven’t yet been fully decided. Once they are, everyone else will also be informed in case anyone wishes to scout the terrain beforehand.

The number of petty crimes has increased, and defeatism and fearmongering is on the rise. Do not fall to the unnecessary panic of proclamations of end-times – the world has been through threats of similar or greater magnitude, and thanks to the hard work of our champions the incoming void attack is expected to be of lower threat than it originally may have been.

As notices written across the cities mentioned, Brak Bellow has been dishonourably discharged from the Knight Order. He meant the best, but he was not suited for the Order’s honourable ranks. Scribe Scias reminded us that Mr Bellow is not evil and that he does not deserve further harassment, but that he did not display behaviour befitting of a knight and allowed paranoia to drive his words and actions.

For blacksmiths, the Kingdom is going to be releasing materials for those who write in. If you are one, contact Scribe Scias Chilikov directly voicing your interest.

The Dwarven Clans met to discuss the future of the Mountain and their duties as given by the Gods. They have made decisions regarding the responsibilities of the various clans, and we hope that the next issue of the Herald may cover that in greater detail as we will be in contact with Tuvaili Longhammer.

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Extra: Fighting the Void
By: Avyanna Turner

We now know that the Void will be tearing open reality itself to enter our realm. Many brave defenders are stepping forward to protect us in this, and last week Lady Ardor O’Connell – freshly returned from the Void herself – gave a lesson alongside her husband Lord Taggart O’Connell at the People’s Palace in combating Void incursions. In this article we will go over what you need to do in case you shall ever have the misfortune of facing this ferocious foe.

Strengths

1. Unlike most opponents faced by the denizens of Hareveth, Void does not have a set form. It can often mimic things from reality, such as creatures, people, items, morphed combinations, and even voices and sounds. The longer it can observe you, the more perfect the mimicry can be.
The Void, unlike magic, doesn’t require direct sight to be aware of your presence. Even some mundane or magical obstruction to its sight-line may not impact its ability to know of your presence.
2. Given time, the Void is capable of consuming almost everything. Its eternal darkness can even swallow up weapons and items, or surroundings.
3. Unless an elemental magic can be imbued with voidal properties, it is unlikely to be anything more than neutral to entities of the Void.

Weaknesses

1. Void material is always going to be the best against Void creatures, as one may expect, coming from the same realm as them. This includes Solid Darkness and Dark Tendrils.
2. Direct holy magic, silver, and gildian are also effective against it, though not to the same degree. Holy water won’t work, but alchemies like Starlight have done their job in th past.
3. Spectral, holy, and dark magics can also be used to sometimes block their “vision.”

Tactics

1. Your best approach is to hit Voidal creatures hard and fast, to make sure they don’t get the opportunity to learn about you.
2. Their shapes may match the environment they’re in, such as taking the appearance of stags and wolves in the woods, or humanoid soldiers near old battlefields. Don’t rely on this always being the case, however.
3. Be prepared to adapt, as the Void will learn from you as the fight goes along. They won’t necessarily be able to catch everything that you do.

We want to thank Lords O’Connell for their lesson and hope that this article can help in all your Anti-Voidal needs.

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Feature of the Month: Fighter’s Flagon Fireproofing Fixes!
By: Avyanna Turner

While some of the scars that we endured in the Cultist attack on Falkvard last year sadly persist, in the last few weeks one of them was healed over. The Fighter’s Flagon, the premiere pub by the Falkvard Square owned by Ms Clementine Drakkenban sustained damage to its chimney during the attack, making the structure unstable. With the aid of an Earth Mage it was repaired using stone, though this, as noticed by the Kingdom’s Firewatch Lord Alewaer of House Alwaran, had the potential of presenting its own problems.

His lordship was most concerned with the type of stone used, especially worried that it may come from riverbeds, though in general being distrustful of the use of stone over sturdy, purpose-made bricks. Per Lord Alewaer of House Alwaran, Firewatch:

“Stones are capable of drinking in water as you or I are. Not all stones, but river stones, who stay submerged, drink heartily. Now, if I have a fireplace of river stones aggravated and motivated by the flames, with no route for them to escape… <they explode.>”

Thankfully, the Flagon’s stone was not of such variety, and there was little threat of this occurring over the short term, but Ms Drakkenban still promised that the fix would come swiftly with the aid of the Golden Gazelle construction company, and we can happily report that the chimney has now been repaired to the standard of safety we need for Falkvard! This, however, brings up new questions that we wanted answered, and we sat down with the Firewatch to get some of his insights, not just on this but the work done by his office in general.

Lord Alewaer has been in his position for just shy of twenty years. He’s currently the city’s sole Firewatch, but he doesn’t feel that more are necessary as it’s a “critical role, but not actively so.” He would welcome more workers to help with vigilance, but the lord also reminds us that the fire safety of our kingdom is the job of everyone!

When asked what we can all do to ensure the continued safety of our cities, here is what he had to say:

“There is plenty that can be done. It is winter time, which of course means chill-air and near-constant fires in homes across the land. First and foremost is to be mindful of what and where you burn things. Firepits, fireplaces with little in the way of stray branches and grasses, fallen leaves, and so on. These areas are the safest. If one has a fire in their home, keeping cloth and other material away from the fireplace is important. But a fire can begin even from something small, <like a> lit stick to ignite a pipe, a forgotten candle. Never go to sleep with one of those left burning. Your home fireplace should be fine, so long as you keep it well sealed, but even then, better to let it burn down to coals and throw in a single log to get you through the night.”

In his parting words, his lordship reminds us that fire safety isn’t just something that’s a concern in the cities. Small villages, traveling caravans, campsites and any and all lit fireplaces should be considered. So if you see smoke where it shouldn’t be coming from, if you hear shouts, make sure to alert the guard!

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About the Author:
I’m Avyanna Turner, the new editor at the Herald! I’ve been an aspiring writer for many years, and I hope I can provide you with the latest news. If you have any questions, anecdotes or personal stories you’d like to include, feel free to write! We can also feature your business in the Herald, I’m always just a letter away!

Issue 6th of Viresse, Year 115

Court Report
By: Avyanna Turner

Today’s Court was run by Lord Glaedwin Remartiu. The weather has been warming over the past few days, and with the winter doors removed the torchlight and the large fireplaces kept the room warm whilst the occasional gust of wind made gave the room fresh air. As would be expected after big events, the room was quite packed!

The past week saw a massive series of events, which were a culmination of many years and events that led to a number of smaller Voidal incursions caused by old choices made long ago. It was a cycle of seals that would lead to more and more Void issues over time, but also sustain things as they were. It had risks, as well as a lot of history, and the Mystics chose to end that cycle and help firm put he barriers of the Void. This was an important choice, as we have seen those boundaries splinter, crack, and fall after the Hell gates of the Cult were opened up after the Pact War, to the point that Perities and Uldir used those tears to push their servants into the world. Void would creep in through those same gaps, and any opportunity that we can take to slam the doors shut is an important one. After the people of Saphriel managed to put a stop to the painting situation some months back, and closed a possible future gate, we were afforded time to prepare for opening our own gates, under our own circumstances, which prevented less controlled tears to the Void. With the heavy use of materiel and the employment of the Royal Army, we fought back the Void and reduced their appearances, though small casualties were still sustained.

The cage of souls crashed into the desert some distance out, and was handled while the two gates the Kingdom opened were at the Pine Valley lake and at the rear of Itiris. The owner of the Divine Trinket of Telekinesis was encountered, but through teamwork and quick thinking was turned back. Pine Valley fought back against many unusual creatures, such as memories of the old disaster that happened there, including nightmarish mockeries of the natural order harkening back to Caldwell’s sin in that space. The Kingdom extends their thanks to those who volunteered to fight, and hopes that we may expect more peaceful times, with old foes being cast away in a new year.

Exclusively from Lady Ardor O’Connell, one of the brave mystics who fought went into the Void and fought last week, we have these words:

“Everything is all right for now. There are a few injured, but the cage fell, the Void hit, and we defeated it.”

When asked if the Cult managed to gain anything from the Voidal rifts, Lord Glaedwin couldn’t provide a full answer, but mentioned that no Cultist activity was detected near the Void gates and the Kingdom did all it could to minimise the risks.

The next question was about the university, and whether the Void rifts affected its semesters, but the answer was that things will continue as normal.

With that, this month’s Court Report is complete!

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Feature of the Month: Dwarven Clans Decide on Work Division
By: Avyanna Turner

In the last Court session it was proclaimed that the Dwarves of Thonduhm, under the continued leadership of Tuvaili Longhammer came to some agreements regarding the future division of their clans’ and castes’ responsibilities, pending the blessing of the Queen. We visited Thonduhm to talk to Tuvaili Longhammer in person so that our readers may learn more about this unique system of governance and what the future holds for our Dwarven friends and our shared Kingdom as a whole.

Before the interview started, however, I wanted to walk through the halls of Thonduhm and see the city with my own – highly untrained! – eyes. There is a quaint village at the top, nestled inside of a valley overlooking the docks and main entrance into he mountain, and which hosts most of the agricultural activities of the city.

The main gateway into the mountain itself is guarded by four monolithic statues, two of dwarves wielding swords and two more wielding axes. Passing through these guardians and into the halls, one is struck by the beauty and workmanship of Dwarven shapers, for whom the new and the old got to meet as works to redecorate the city’s halls are ongoing.

The halls themselves are spectacular, easily as wide as the streets of Falkvard, but with the weight of an entire mountain balanced carefully over them. The Dwarves do not shine from golds, lapis, and other precious materials to adorn their caverns with, making for a dizzying array of warm hues inside of the volcano. At its centre stands the massive, great hall, whose centrepiece is the Shrine of Kinos and whose awe-inspiring size and beauty would be difficult to describe in mere words. It connects parts of the city by bridges and stairs (many, many stairs!), and is worth visiting all on its own, especially if you worship Kinos.

Our interview took place in the old Throne Room, where Dwarvish kings and lords once resided. An elongated hall, at least three times the size of the Falkvard courtroom, dripping with opulence of the past. Here I sat down with Tuvaili to talk about the Dwarven caste system and the future of the Dwarvish side of our Kingdom.

A = Avyanna, the Interviewer
T = Tuvaili, the Interviewee

A: “Thank you very much for agreeing to this interview, Tuvaili. While some of our readers may be aware of the Dwarven culture and history, and some are likely to be Dwarves themselves, I wanted to start off by asking about the different clans and the caste system. It seems like a unique way to construct your lives, could you go into a bit more detail as to what it is, and how the castes are separated?”

T: “You might think it’s unique, but we’ve really just given word to whatever everyone else already does. My people say I talk too much, so if I get wordy just stop me. So there are five castes of Dwarves, all with different names. The Makers, Shapers, Delvers, Warriors, and Crowns. You’ll hear the Dwarves use all kinds of different names. Sometimes the Makers are called Coins or Golds, and Delvers are sometimes called Miners, and some people split the two into separate castes. Like with any system, there’s nuance, right?”

A: “Wordy isn’t an issue in an interview, don’t worry! And could you explain what each <caste> does?”

T: “Absolutely, <though> it’s important to note that my family (not clan, but my family in particular), left Thonduhm when I was just barely an adult, so I’m a very atypical Dwarf and my experience isn’t universal, or normal. Let’s start with the Makers. Makers are often your Merchant class, as well as your craftsman class. makers are smiths, or tinkerers, or alchemists. Occasionally they’re also scholars. These families often overlapped with merchant families, so when you’ve got a family of smiths and golds, they get kind of folded together. So when you can get technical and say there’s actually SIX castes, which may be more correct, but how often does a craftsman in the modern age not also hawk his wares, right?”
T: “Next, the Delvers <or> Miners. That’s what they are. Thonduhm has a long history of carving passages and tunnels, freeing ore from stone. Someone has to literally delve the dark. Explore, identify areas of value, manage the mines, all of that is the Delvers’ job. It may sound simple, but anyone who knows anything about mining will tell you it’s as dangerous as it comes, especially here.”

T: “Next up, the Shapers. The Shapers are secretive, highly traditional, and perhaps the most skilled stonemasons to ever live. They keep to themselves, and with good reason, as it’s an art. Everything you’ve seen here was touched by a Shaper, made by them. Worked by one of their clans. And it’s all still here, stretching back for who knows how many generations.”
A: “So they carve out all the halls of Thonduhm? Kind of like builders?”

T: “I can’t really go into the specific differences, because I’m not a Shaper and don’t know all their secret techniques. Shapers have such an in-depth understanding of stonework that I’ve seen them bring down cavern roofs in safe, controlled ways before. And that’s just one example!”

A: “Fascinating. So it really is like an art. Who’s next?”

T: “Warriors, <who are> exactly what they sound like. Clans whose families had military careers. These days, everyone is a bit of a warrior, as that’s the world we inherited. I dream of a day down the line where kids can have that distinction again, but Thonduhm’s always been a place where the people have been heavily militarised and a culture of weaponry and martial skill was relevant to daily life.”

A: “So a bit like in Falkvard, most people have some sort of a weapon, but that doesn’t make them soldiers. So it’s similar in that regard, the Warrior caste are the professionals.”

T: “Correct and correct, though right now I think most people living here in Thonduhm have some form of militia or military experience.”

A: “Such are the necessities of war. And the last were Crowns?”

T: “Crowns were, and are, the old ruling families of Thonduhm. Usually prominent families of each Caste that cycled out of who was in charge of the Mountain. You’d have one ruler from a Clan for a generation, then anther. They all knew each other, and would not quietly take it in turns, but sort of pass hand-to-hand as time went on. Think less pure nobility by birthright, as the Kingdom does it, but by esteem, prestige, and sway. They co-operated to make things happen, talked, held meetings.”

A: “So essentially like the Royal Council, but they selected the monarch from their ranks?”

T: “Not terribly familiar with the Royal Council. I know about the People’s Council if that’s what you mean* , but yeah, they’d pick a ruler from one of the Crown Clans. And you know, if you were a real badass or smartass or just a real important Dwarf, you could elevate your family into being a Crown through great work.”

A: “Do you think that’s the fate of the Longhammers with all of your accomplishments?”

T: “The Queen will decide who rules Thonduhm. Times have changed, that much is clear. If Clan Longhammer are to become Crowns… I don’t really know. I used to joke about being in charge when I was young, but in my heart my goal was always to give my people back the life and home we were meant to have. And I want to be clear, my achievements were never purely mine alone. Every effort of the Dwarven people has been built on the efforts of so many working together towards the same goal.”

A: “Beautiful words to live by. So let’s switch topics now, on to the meeting itself. At Court it was announced that the Dwarves had a big meeting about the future. Could you tell me a bit more about that?”

T: “Absolutely! For a long while, I was trying to get Clans together to hand out some responsibilities. I can’t organise every little thing that goes on here, and whoever takes over will need dependable, knowledgeable people to help them make choices. I managed to wrangle a bunch of them and assign oversight to parts of the Mountain to each Clan. So now, while everyone still reports to me, things can move forward without me needing direct oversight. I’m still in charge, but these are people for me to put my trust in.”

A: “Are there any notable clans and responsibilities you think that the readers may want to know about? I imagine not all Dwarves attended the meeting, so even for them it might be a good source of information.”

T: “We’re gonna give it a little time to be sure eacch clan gets established before we open the flootgates for people to go inquiring with each clan. I know people want to know about the Mithril, and things like that have been in the works for a while and need to be handled carefully. The Movement distributed information within its ranks, and I encourage anyone of Dwarven blood who wants to be more involved to please join up.”

A: “Excellent! Is there anything else you think would be worth covering?”

T: “While I encourage anyone who’d like to visit Thonduhm to do so, I have to remind Goblins that they should not come to the island, <as> the ghosts will kill anything they take onus with. And, of course, for those who visit, be vigilant. It’s still a pretty remote place and pretty dangerous. The mines are off-limits to anyone not in the Movement. Never travel alone on the island!”

A: “Thank you for this. And as parting words, any phrase you’d like to share in Dwarvish? You can write them in Dwarven and I’ll write them phonetically.”

<Common> For the Mountain!
<Dwarven>: For the Mountain!
<Phonetic spelling in Common underneath>

*Writer’s note: Yes, that is what I meant!

Issue 6th of Lotesse, Year 115

Court Report
By: Avyanna Turner

Today’s Court greets us with an overcast of late spring. Though the air is pleasantly warm, it’s quite humid as the rains of spring still haven’t totally left us. Summer is around the corner! Court is held by Scribe Scias Chilikov. The hall was quite empty! Court notes:

A chance of a spring storm remains even though it’s quite late in the season. Be prepared to board up windows and shore up any flood defences!

Schools have been greatly successful, with literacy improving across the Kingdom, with high success and student turnover. If you’re one of those who recently learnt to read, the Herald welcomes you and the staff here hopes that you will love to read and write as much as we do.

The Guard and the Knight Order continue their patrols, with the Order currently on tour in the countryside.

Though peace has reigned since we vanquished the Void, always be mindful as Void remnants may remain. There have been no reports yet, it is the duty of every citizen of Saphriel to report anything of this sort.

Though not mentioned at Court, you may have noticed postings of a new duck island in the middle of Crescent Lake, just east of Falkvard. Make sure to consult the rules and signs posted about it before you venture out there, but if you go there you may be able to gather some ducks, feathers, and eggs!

There will be no special features in the Herald this month! We hope that we can provide you with some thrilling and wonderful stories from across the Kingdom and beyond soon. If you have anything you wish to share, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Issue 6th of Cermie, Year 115

Court Report
By: Avyanna Turner

Last week saw no court, so we’re back this week of what’s turning out to be a rather rainy summer! Scribe Scias Chilikov is running today’s court, which is decently well-attended!

Mithras can be expected within the next few months, so get excited and have your wishlist ready!

There has been an increase in Naga and bandit sightings in the south of the Kingdom. These two don’t appear to be connected, they seem to be coincidental.

A few missing persons have been reported between Strimlet and the Swamp Outpost. Only a few cases at present, but the Herald reminds you to travel in groups and armed if you plan to stepping outside of the city.

Cult presence has been noted by the guard stationed near the Moonridge Lodge – also known as the Asylum –  and its nearby fort as well as near Fort Evergreen and Veithrheim. As with the above, caution is advised. Cult and groups of Kalai have also been observed fighting near the frozen rivers of Bleaklands.

In better news, the walls around Angel Creek are almost finished, and those around Spire’s Cross are under construction, making the denizens of the Kingdom that much safer in the more distant settlements!

An Orc called Braq Magada has informed the Court that Chief Uruul has asked him to find people to investigate Cult activity taking place north of the tribe. It’s likely to be related to an attack on an Orcish caravan there. Able-bodied men and women are encouraged to inform Braq Magada.

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Extra: Sleepless Sleep-ins Spread in Saphriel
By: Avyanna Turner

The Herald received unconfirmed reports recently of a pattern emerging throughout the Kingdom, in which villagers have been known to sleep restlessly for several days at a time. The reports claim that people have simply fallen asleep or fell unconscious, and didn’t wake up for days at a time. Doctors say that the people affected are in perfect health, but they just can’t be woken up for days, after which they don’t even get a good rest for the effort! Quoting a victim’s wife:

“It started for me a couple of nights ago; my husband and I just recently moved to Brightfield, and he was feeling much more tired than usual. He was finishing some work in the fields when some time later a few of the other farmhands were carrying him back home. We had him looked at but the healer said that aside from being unconscious he was in perfect health.

A day passed, and he didn’t wake up. That’s when my son who was visiting the city from university told me that he’d heard of something similar happening in Angel Creek to one of the students, who woke up some days later after some sort of nonsensical dream, a bit exhausted but otherwise none-the-worse for wear. Others have heard this happening further afield too; no one’s really sure what’s happening, but it’s not confined to Brightfield and healers aren’t sure what’s afflicting people. Isolated incidents. My husband’s still asleep right now – we’re keeping an eye on him, but aside from that no one’s really sure what to do. We even tried the good old smelling salt trick!”

These are unconfirmed reports. If you are affected by this, the Herald encourages you to write to the Guard who can direct you to the correct resources, especially if your loved ones are currently affected so that the help can be administered in a timely fashion!

Issue 6th of Urime, Year 115

Court(less) Report
By: Avyanna Turner

There is no court this month, nor will there be for the next few months, but there are still a few things worth mentioning!

Citizens of Saphriel are anticipating Mithras, which should be just around the corner! If you’re one of the gift-givers make sure your gifts are ready, and the Herald wishes to express our excitement and well-wishes to everyone. I personally aim to be there to report from the scene and enjoy the festivities. Say hi if you see me!

The harvest season is now in full swing, and the Herald also wants to give our support to the farmers of the Kingdom as they prepare to trail off into autumnal chills. Best of luck, may your harvests be bountiful!

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Extra: Talking with the Tinkerers’ Tiny Leader

Today, the Herald is happy to interview Syli Mad-Kin, the leader of the Tinkerers’ Guild and a Monk – similar to those of Einar – about her Guild’s latest achievements. We’re sat at the Fonce, in the pit by the pretty blue flame. We’re in the waning days of Cermie, and the heat of summer is truly starting to take hold on Saphriel as the sun beams down hard even in the afternoon sunset.

A = Avyanna (Interviewer)
S = Syli (Interviewee)

A: Thank you for agreeing to this interview, Syli. You’ve been the leader of the Tinkerers’ Guild for many years, could you tell me more about what the Guild does?

S: Indeed. We support inventors and craftspeople of the Kingdom, and take on projects assigned by the Kingdom at a group level. AT this time, my garden provides free access to alchemical materials for our burgeoning alchemists. We provide workspaces, tools, lessons, and access to like-minded craftsfolk and members.

A: And you’re based out of east Falkvard, right? I’ve been to the Guild Headquarters, it looks like a pretty impressive building.

S: That is correct. STill fairly recently changed from the previous building, which I now have a small model of to gently punch every now and then. The new one has libraries, more expansive places to work, and is well-suited for giving people their own areas to invent within.

A: What sorts of inventions have the Tinkerers recently come up with? Could you share something about the most exciting things you and the Guild have worked on of late?

S: Of late, we have been focused on the Kingdom’s current assignment for us. Specifically, on the creation of machines, methods, and tools to help those facing physical disabilities to return to gainful employment. To this end, we have been working on several things. Lord Varik has made fantastic progress iin prosthetics, for those who have lost limbs, either in whole or in part, with the help of other guild members. Quite fantastic, really, and they seem to work splendidly. Beyond this, we have made harnesses that allow for easier use of long-handled tools – even using them with just one hand – and to ease the pressure caused by moving hand-carts or the like. Shovels with portable leverage, adjustments to handle sizes to account for differences in grip strength, manipulators that allow someone with no hands or extremely limited hand motion to theoretically sew and mend clothing. <There is> a tool that allows for easy buttoning and trying for those with numbed fingers, a push cane for use within the cities that is less heavy-duty than wheelchairs, a flame maker for lighting fires one-handed, because cooking is important. Aside from those mentioned, these are all the work of my wife and me. Oakley’s wall anchors allow any flexible material to be robustly held on walls to prevent stooping and ease difficulties of those with weakened grip strength. Pain prevention is important. More recently, Tozi has done done some fantastic work with doors, which allow one to easily lock and unlock them, and move them, even with extremely limited hand dexterity. Beautiful thing <which> supports privacy as needed. Additionally, Brak has been working on learning to make glasses and the like, for those with visual issues, and finally I have personally been making several improvements for farmers’ lives – though admittedly those ones are also for my efforts to create a Goblin coalition. They work wonderfully well, relieving much of the strain of farming, speeding harvesting, threshing, winnowing, and increasing the safety of doing it all while also making them more accessible with disabilities or tiny body sizes. Undergoing testing in Brightfield, if all goes well.

A: That brings up something that I wanted to ask about next. This is a huge amount of projects, do you think that your stature might have helped you in this topic? With your slight height and – I presume – strength, you probably had to find other ways to get about in your crafts too, right?

S: Very much so. I am very used to having work in odd and aroundabout ways. This openness to techniques has been invaluable to my approach. On the topic of disabilities as well, I was born quite heavily disabled and while I have been repaired, the experience and memories have been a great help in understanding where help may be needed. Unexpected boon of having been born like that. I will take it though, and run with it.

A: What’s your proudest invention of the Tinkerers’ Guild?

S: Proudest <is an> incorrect term. Never truly know the exact impact of any projects. Something small can become something great, and every creation of ours I am proud of. Notable publicly, better term, if I may answer to that end?

A: Please, by all means.

S: Whale clickers. Project assigned under our former guild master, finished under me. Allows us to repel the great serpents while out at sea. Enables far safer deep sea travel. Saves lives, expands our accessible world, and hopefully helped quite a bit on the voyage some years ago.

A: That is very important. Even I’ve heard of it, so you know it’s good. And is there any project that you wish you could pursue? Any problem you’d like to see fixed with Tinkering?

S: Projects <are> endless. I am brimming with ideas. It is time and planning that stops me from pursuing any more, but someday I will figure out a more efficient method and be able to make even more. How fun, how fun. But that is a vague answer, so I will pick examples. Inventions to help with cooking at home while facing physical disabilities. More to enable farming and orchard work. Those that would help in a workshop for carpenters, smiths. More to help tailors, since while I have something that works for sewing I feel like I could do better. Things to help specific jobs, and allow people to get back into work if lacking it, and to ease their strain once they are in it, both disabled and not.

A: That’s definitely a lot on your plate! Where do you see the Tinkerers as a whole in the future?

S: Probably more structured. I am learning to be a better leader – learning what people need, understanding that I am apparently a little weirdo when it comes to my process. <It’s> slow, but getting there. I hope that we manage to create a very broad spectrum of things to help people with disabilities, and to ease our expansion back into the world, with all the new towns and villages popping up.

A: How can others join the guild, and what skills make an ideal candidate?

S: Interviews, often with myself or with my wife, Ko’Maroo <Mad-Kin>. Contacting us, setting up a time to meet, and simply conversing. Ideal candidate – creative and open to new experience. Your pre-existing skills can be helpful but are not necessary, for we teach. More important is the mindset. You have to be willing to face failure in our work, and to face it often. Repeatedly. That can wear down many people. Similarly, fear of learning a new skill or tackling something you know you do not have the skills for is a significant barrier for those going into this kind of work. many creative people will not express it because of a lack of skill, but also will not learn the skills needed. It is daunting, absolutely, but I think that facing that uphill battle is worth it, for those who can face it. As well, openness to working with others, and to challenge one’s own viewpoints. We are a collective force, and are stronger when we work as one. As an example, I am a good tinkerer. This is because if I think of a project and have a basis for it, I often just pursue it. I very often do not have the skills I need for it, but I pursue it anyway and learn along the way. It has left me able to work with a great many materials, and with a wide variety of viewpoints. I have <messed> up very often. But I learn, and continue to.

A: Thank you for this, Syli. Are there any parting words you’d like to share with the readers before we conclude?

S: If it is not dangerous to do so, then I highly encourage slamming oneself face-first into a new craft. Knowing more forms of gestalt, you can become greater than the sum of your skills, and become more capable in said individual skills as a result. Be brave, and be bold, and be you!

Syli Mad-Kin would also like to extend her invitation to any and all Goblins to join the coalition which she is building! The Herald would like to thank her for the interview, and our staff hopes that you enjoyed this month’s special.

Issue 6th of Yavannie, Year 115

Court(less) Report
By: Avyanna Turner

Another month with no Court, and a few more to go, but the Knight Order returned from their tour a few weeks ago! While no details have yet been divulged, it was a successful expedition out into the countryside.

Summer is at an end, and the leaves are starting to turn gold. This shall be a Harvest Festival year, so just as last week we wish the Kingdom’s farmers the best of luck in their harvests and crafts!

Mithras happened last week, and more details on that can be found in this month’s extra feature!

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Extra: Mithras Madness Makes Merry
By: Avyanna Turner

Last week the Kingdom was greeted by the long-awaited Mithras! A portal made of candy cane appeared just beyond the west gates of Falkvard, and after walking through it we were greeted by a snowy landscape. With jagged shards of ice protruding from the earth around us, there was an edge to the space that reminded us we were in the comfort of the Realm of the Fae, but after a foreword from Mithras themselves we were greeted into a cozy village. I was cold, but it wasn’t as freezing as I expected! Of course the first highlight was the gift-exchange, which saw people swap gifts with allocated recipients, much to everyone’s excitement.

A large nutcracker then announced that a Peak awaited us, and most of the people shuffled over into another ice portal, which teleported us to a massive mountain that we had to climb! It was gruelling work for someone more used to the comfort of a desk than the harsh realities of mountaineering, but I persevered and succeeded to the top along many others, summitting the peak after a solid few minutes at the very top.

Many other activities awaited! I got to take a picture with a Redcap (drawn by another Redcap) which will now proudly sit at the Herald’s office; at least until I’m asked to remove it! I then got to ride a cart ride which took me from the skies into the depths of underground, complete with Ice Dragons and sea monsters. There was plenty of food, Fae oddities like snowballs that briefly turned people into candy canes and snowballs, and many more.

The Herald reminds you, as the Fae reminded us, that outside of celebrations some of them may not be nearly as friendly as they are within them. As always, it is illegal to make non-Kingdom sanctioned Fae deals, so if you encounter a Fae in the wild politely but firmly decline to make any deals without the help of a Fae friend, and don’t disclose your name or give them anything!

With that said, we also hope you had a lovely time at Mithras, and look forward greatly to the next one from which we also hope to report!

Issue 21st of Narvinye, Year 116

Court(less) Report

By: Avyanna Turner

Only a few months remain before Court is back on, but in the meantime the writers and copiers of the Herald hope that we can keep you entertained and informed! We’d also like to extend a happy new year to everyone, may it be great for you and may you become your best self, dear reader!

A few weeks ago, Anjra, once a hunt spirit and now the leader of ghosts who were freed from the shackles of the Void, came to Saphriel to explain what happened since. This week’s story will mostly focus on that!

Special: Meeting with Anjra

By: Avyanna Turner

It was a freezing evening on the hilltop where the Fairgrounds resided. The sky shimmered with crystals of ice as a dozen or so people gathered in anticipation, before a whistle came to usher us closer to a pair of figures. Anjra, guarded by one of his soldiers, introduced himself to us politely though with an easy-going and friendly attitude, apologising for the wretched cold he brought us to but promising to provide answers to questions yet unresolved from the battle against the Void.

“I was a Hunt Spirit gifted from Nahab – Perities – to the people of the east. The mystics who organised in hierarchies and ways that they weren’t supposed to, and <who> disturbed the balance of life way back when,” he started. Anjra appears in the form of a stockier Half-Elf, with tanned skin, brown eyes, and dirty blond hair. His demeanour seemed to be relaxed at all times. “Behmos dealt a vertict for this, part of it being my delayed freedom, and Nahab dealt the punishment, part of it being my massacring of a good majority of my people.”

He went on to explain that upon the completion of this terrible task, Anjra and these same souls were cast into a prison by Perities, with a couple of cycles of mystics going in there to restrengthen the bonds and seal the cracks of those voidal cages before the most recent mystics decided to break them altogether.

“That, <of> course, was the stage for that awful mess of the Void spilling out when me and mine did, piggybacking off the route we trailed.”

Anjra explained that he has since then been busy with healing the wounds left in the world by the battle, clearing up debris and weapons that shouldn’t be left lying about. Finally, he’s been leading his ghostly retinue in preparation for taking their final journey, so that they may pass on when they are ready. In some ways, it meant bargaining with the Lilu demons of the east so that they wouldn’t interrupt the march. In others, it meant visiting old eastern tribes and meeting with them. In other ways still, it meant traveling across home, seeing how things have changed and how they remained the same. 

When asked why the Gods exacted such a terrible punishment on the Nahab tribes, Anjra explained that mysticism was always meant to be an individual journey, but that tribal leaders overtime grew to dogmatise their ways of practicing mysticism, to the point that they would enforce their views of what the practice should be in spite of Perities themselves. This resulted in Mysticism overtaking the gifts and curses from other gods, putting Perities before them to an extent that balance was threatened – magic disappearing from those gifted by Bothimir, and Half-Demons’ features taken from them.

Anjra also cautioned us that a fist-sized piece of the prison’s core is still missing, and requests that should anyone find it they are to immediately contact him. He also warned that some Devas – ghosts who served him as warriors – broke off from him in search of their freedom or a new master. Should they be encountered they may be hostile and, even moreso, grow enraged should their mask be torn off their faces.

Anjra left us with a couple of gifts, items found after the battle. After a brief discussion it was agreed that if you fought against the Void in the recent battles, you should contact Nathan Pebble ((Halomantis on both Discord and in-game)) to lay claim on anything you’re interested in. Anything that remains afterwards may be distributed to anyone else.